Luggage Dilemma
Carry On, Checked Baggage, or Both?
Carry On vs Checked Luggage
Pros and Cons
When we traveled to Thailand for two months we each had a carry-on and we checked one 26" suitcase. We rented a storage locker for the 26" suitcase and repacked our carry on suitcases at Bangkok in between the different legs of our trip. For instance, we only needed our snorkel gear for Koh Tao and Koh Lanta. I carried enough medication, supplements, and first aid items for two months of travel but we only carried about 2 weeks medication with us at one time. Although the locker was safe, secure, and clean we had to take a taxi to get there and back to our accommodations.
Some of the small airlines we flew on had weight limits on the carry on so we brought a Scott eVest with lots of zipper pockets to wear on the plane if our carry ons were over weight.
Before the end of the trip the wheels broke on our 26" bag and Larry was dragging it with him. We bought another 26" bag before we left Bangkok to return home so we had room for souvenirs and could lighten the load in our carry ons. (we had one free checked bag each for our international flights).
For our next international trip (2-3 months in Europe) I'm considering flying with carry on only or with one checked in carry on and two under-seat bags.
Checked Baggage
Pros:
No hauling a heavy suitcase around the airport.
Don't have to lift suitcase into overhead rack.
If you're an over-packer you can pack up to 44 pounds on most major airlines.
Bring home gifts and things such as bottles of wine that wouldn't be allowed on carry-on luggage.
No having to wear extra clothing and heavy items to keep your carry-on under a certain weight.
Travel through multiple climates is easier because you don't have to limit your choices.
Cons:
Most airlines charge for a checked bag.
Checked luggage sometimes gets lost.
Wait at baggage to collect.
Heavier, larger bags are more difficult to lug around as you travel.
Carry On Luggage
Pros:
If you're making multiple stops, carry on is much easier and lighter to handle.
Save on checked luggage fees.
No delays waiting at baggage claim carousel.
Things don't get broken by careless baggage handlers.
Cons:
Each airline has different size limitations.
3-1-1 Liquids rule means only a 1-quart bag for all liquids.
If you're flying a small airline such as RyanAir, you may have to wear a vest with pockets in order to keep the weight to 22 lbs.
You have to take your bag everywhere you go in the airport if you're traveling solo.
Packing wisely and using packing cubes is essential in order to limit weight and space in smaller suitcases.
I felt like a pack mule wearing my Scott eVest, my sling bag, and towing my carry on bag.